# Letter 88: Cecilia Volanges to the Viscount de Valmont explained — Dangerous Liaisons

> Chapter companion for Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

## What happens

Cecilia Volanges writes to Valmont, declining his proposal to obtain a duplicate key to her mother's room for secret meetings with Danceny. She expresses fear of discovery and prefers to continue their current cautious arrangement, returning Valmont's key and letters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Innocence and Experience

Cecilia's hesitation and fear of discovery highlight her naivety and inexperience in navigating clandestine romance, contrasting with Valmont's manipulative expertise.

### Seduction and Manipulation

Valmont's proposal for a duplicate key is a manipulative tactic to gain control over Cecilia's secret affair, advancing his own schemes.

## Character check-ins

### Cecilia Volanges

Writes to Valmont, refusing his risky plan for a duplicate key due to fear of her mother's watchfulness.

### Viscount de Valmont

Recipient of the letter; proposed the scheme for a duplicate key to facilitate Cecilia's secret correspondence with Danceny.

### Chevalier Danceny

Cecilia's lover; she believes he would agree with her cautious approach.

### Madame de Volanges

Cecilia's mother, described as exceedingly watchful and a source of fear for Cecilia.

## Key lines

> I dare not venture to do what you propose. First, I think it too dangerous; the key you desire I should put in the place of the other resembles it pretty much, it is true: but still there is some difference, and mama is so exceedingly watchful, that nothing escapes her.

Cecilia refuses Valmont's plan to swap the key, fearing her mother's vigilance will detect the slight difference.

_Cecilia's fear of her mother's scrutiny prevents her from taking risks._

> I am certain Mr. Danceny would be of the same opinion: for whenever he wanted anything I was not inclined to, he instantly gave it up.

Cecilia believes Danceny would support her cautious decision, as he always respects her wishes.

_Cecilia contrasts Danceny's deference with Valmont's pushiness._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dangerous_liaisons_se/chapters